"I returned, and saw under the sun, that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, neither yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet favour to men of skill; but time and chance happeneth to them all." (Ecc. 9:11, KJV)

Yet another survey result has come out -- the latest and the 'most comprehensive' so they say. Naturally, every candidate wants to know how their recent 'overhauls' and 're-packagings' (plus their best laid plans, of course) are playing out and consequently how these 'changes' are swaying voter sentiments (if at all).

It's interesting to note that given the fact that no past pre-election poll has ever prophetically predicted the victory of a presidential candidate, it seems unavoidable for every other candidate (and even voter) to eagerly wait for the next 'latest and greatest survey results' and interpret the same as if it were gospel truth.

Surveys have become very powerful marketing tools that they have been branded as 'game changers' capable of conditioning minds and ultimately swaying public opinion in favor of whomever they 'may' anoint. Of course, there are reputable organizations whose "integrity is beyond question" and then there are those that were established overnight and claim to be as reliable if not better than their bigger counterparts. But just the same, we should try to see right through these organizations because in the heart of every business is profit generation.

These surveys whether commissioned or non-commissioned have become a staple in Philippine elections in the same way a Christmas feast seem incomplete without the much-commercialized ham. We can always do without it, but somehow, the table looks better with that cholesterol-rich pork on it.

It's curious that whenever results come out, we can't help but listen in, read, watch and sometimes even immerse ourselves in it until a newer one comes along. We'd engage ourselves in lengthy and passionate discussions until we're blue in the face proclaiming "I knew it!" and "I told you so!". Others pick petty fights that elevate to lifelong animosity. It's terrible.

I can understand why candidates go gaga over these results and why they usually end up crafting their entire campaign strategy around it -- they need the surveys. They need a baseline. They need to know how far along are they from their goals. They need to know what's working and what's not (whether theirs or their opponents'). If they're doing great, they need these for validation. If they're falling short of expectations, they need these to snap out of complacency.

Are surveys killing democracy?

But tell me honestly, do WE need these? Pulse Asia, SWS and the rest, tell us when a survey has been commissioned or not and if it is, who commissioned such. That seems fair and commendable. But doesn't the whole thing spoil democracy? Alright, when it's not commissioned, they say it's being done as 'public service' and I'm pretty sure they mean well, but don't you think it's slowly killing our appetite for voting according to intellect and conscience?

Such pity for the candidates at the tail end of these surveys. They might end up losing whatever few loyal followers they have to these 'front-runners' all because these surveys kept on showing them at pitiful 1, 2 or 5% scores! Public service, really? Keep your results to yourselves and leave us, the electorate to discern for ourselves. Nobody needs to tell us what we think or who we think we'd like to vote for. That seems stupid isn't it? -- being told, "Hey, you guys, approximately 35% of you will likely vote for Noynoy as president!!!" and then a few weeks after, Hey, Manny and Noynoy are statistically tied! According to who? Us? Really? Oh, a relatively accurate statistical sampling of 'us'? Well that's what it is -- a sampling, an approximation -- a scientific guess at best.

Here's the thing: We don't need to know what WE think. Tell that to the Marines, or better yet to the candidates. They're the ones who need that, not us. In a perfect world, it would be best to keep results private amongst candidates themselves and the survey organizations. That way, candidates can better strategize and surveys won't 'condition' our minds into voting for the popular choice. That will be the ultimate public service you guys can give this country.

But this isn't a perfect world. There are no such things as private or privileged information anymore.

Surveys as birthday presents

Sticking survey results on our faces is like showing us a checklist of possible choices for birthday presents for this country. You know you're getting one in nine presents so you go asking every one (a sampling size, to be precise) of us. Some of us answer, some don't, some still trick you into thinking you're getting one instead of the other. But you know what, it spoils the fun -- because guess what, we don't even know yet which one to get you! And all your 'surveying' is influencing us to get you that one present that keeps topping your polls because it leads us to believe that that's what you want! Is that good for you or for us? No one can tell. But is that good for democracy (not too mention good 'ol fun)? Definitely not.

Surveys? So what?

Surveys don't make victors. Destiny does. Sounds lame? It is. But thinking of it as such doesn't change the intrinsic truth in that statement. If you ever doubted destiny and its inner workings before, think Erap. Point made.

It's difficult to argue with destiny. It is a powerful entity, if you can call it that. Even the unsinkable Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo ascribes to that (add that to a resolute belief in genetics and you get yourself a person all-too-absorbed in her own significance, even Adolf Hitler would turn in his grave).

I know what you're thinking. Any mention of the word destiny brings up tarot cards and crystal balls. And perhaps you're thinking a two-bladed sword with an ear-piercing swoosh sound is all it takes to carry on one's destiny. But I'm not talking about "Lord of the Rings' or "Harry Potter"-like destiny here. I'm talking about something closer to real life.

I am talking about destiny borne of the ballot. Media-frenzy -- like most best laid plans will fizzle in the face of destiny. In the end, your ballot will dictate one person's destiny. That is a power you hold. Don't let hype and overrated surveys take that power away from you.

If you think Gordon is the most qualified, then go ahead and vote for him. If you think Bayani will make a good veep, then vote for him. You think a spiritual man is what we need? Then there's Villanueva for you. Ignore the numbers, those are meant to discourage voters. Stay away from manipulators and their devices.

The road to political renewal is long and arduous, littered with ambiguous signs and walked by many swindlers day in and day out. But don't it let keep you from doing what you should. Tune out from the deafening jingles. Distance yourself from deadening promises. And as the great Johnny Walker used to say, "Keep walking."

And yes, I say screw the surveys.

Popularity: 1% [?]

Suddenly everyone claims to "have been poor".

Suddenly it's the best campaign slogan.

Suddenly being "poor" is "cool".

You might actually think that the world has changed. But no, it hasn't.

You might think that Philippine politics has changed. But no, it hasn't.

On the contrary, it hasn't changed nary a bit.

It's always been like this during election period. Jingles. Slogans. The works.

The "vote-for-me-because-im-your-savior" sort of campaign posters haven't changed in many, many years. And each time election nears, it only reminds us how bad our politicians fared before -- how bad all of us somehow fared too.

Someone once said, we get what what we deserve -- that we get what we give. If that is true, I wonder what sort of abominable creatures we have become to deserve such incompetent and devilish leaders. I wonder what kind of miser we have become to get these parasites cum predators. I cringe at that thought.

And so every time a squeaky clean, well-bred, royal "gened" politician hugs and carries a poor child -- specially the "really" poor ones, I wonder what goes on in that politician's mind.

I wonder.

There are those too smart to assert that one need not be "poor" or "have been poor" to know poverty. Wise guy, read this: You are so wrong. Continue reading →

Popularity: 3% [?]

As we shelve memories of 2009 and resolve to start anew in 2010,  forget not "the good times and the bad you've seen and all the others in between..."

Happy New Year everyone! Let us remember each other and look forward to tomorrow with faith in love and in God.

Times of Your Life

by: Paul Anka

Good morning, yesterday
You wake up and time has slipped away
And suddenly it's hard to find
The memories you left behind
Remember, do you remember?

The laughter and the tears
The shadows of misty yesteryears
The good times and the bad you've seen
And all the others in between
Remember, do you remember
The times of your life (do you remember)

Reach back for the joy and the sorrow
Put them away in your mind
The mem'ries are time that you borrow
To spend when you get to tomorrow

Here comes the saddest part
The seasons are passing one by one
So gather moments while you may
Collect the dreams you dream today
Remember, will you remember
The times of your life

Gather moments while you may
Collect the dreams you dream today
Remember, will you remember
The times of your life
Of your life
Of your life

Do you remember, baby
Do you remember the times of your life

Popularity: 2% [?]

Photo by andthenpatterns

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Hello there, everyone! I invite you to join me online via live audio-streaming and liveblogging, together with my other fellow bloggers as we talk politics and more with survey-leading Presidentiable, Senator Manuel "Manny Villar" tomorrow at Bonifacio High Street.

As of this writing, I have yet to find out the names of other bloggers who will be there with me. I will let you know tomorrow as I liveblog the conversation/interview.

As you may well know, I am an avid supporter of Manny Villar in his bid for the presidency come 2010 so I wouldn't dare pass up this chance of meeting him face to face to ask him some of my burning questions. I do hope this coffee session eventually cement my conviction of rooting for him and campaigning for him to my family and friends who are yet to make up their minds on who to vote for.

You are enjoined to participate in the discussion by sending in your comments through chat, voting in the polls and tweeting using hashtag #villar2010.

Join us and make your opinions matter! Make your vote count! Let your voice be heard!

Popularity: 2% [?]

Photo by Le Montage
Drum roll, please...

SWS 3rd Quarter Survey Results:

De Castro - 29%

Villar - 28%

Legarda - 26%

Malacanang, as early as now, eyes several other people as successors to PGMA -- Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, Senator Richard Gordon, Chairman Bayani Fernando of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, and Quezon City Mayor Feliciano Belmonte. These people are being considered aside from VP Noli de Castro who has been enjoying wide popularity in recent SWS surveys.

And, as early as now, I think it doesn't take a genius to see that their additional choices don't have a slight chance in hell at winning the presidency even with Malacanang's so-called "political machinery". In a country as disillusioned as ours, popularity is still a major factor for winning. And while popularity isn't everything (as proven by the many "celebrities" who lost in their quest for electoral positions in the previous elections), it is still undeniably a major consideration or shall I say, a significant determinant of a candidate's winnability. Continue reading →

Popularity: 7% [?]

Photo by erichews [Now with 100,000+ views!]

I've written about early campaigns disguised as product endorsements in my One Political Filipino blog, which I haven't updated in ages -- thanks to my growing disbelief in Philippine politics which started months before this. Many things have changed since that post and the political scene has been reshaped somehow by influential events of late. So, I felt it was a good time to make a somewhat updated version of that post although not entirely dwelling on the "early campaign syndrome". Incidentally, today's news about pulse asia survey has sparked my interest in this topic, hence this post.

Let me begin by saying that until now, no matter how seemingly long ago the campaign period has started, I have yet to decide who to vote for. And although I have been having thoughts on "campaigning" for a specific candidate, however insignificantly it may affect other people's opinion and thereby "sway" them into voting for my choice, I must say that I am, up to this point, still undecided.

The Pulse Asia Top 5 for Presidentiables:

De Castro -- 22%

Estrada -- 16%

Escudero -- 14%

Legarda -- 14%

Villar -- 12%

Although I don't really like surveys because they somehow appear speculative, I know for a fact that these are backed by solid data. And yes, most likely, De Castro might win. I have nothing against De Castro winning. It's just that, I do not see him bringing anything new to the table. I have this personal speculation that a De Castro win will only mean another PGMA win -- a continuation of a PGMA administration. There are obvious advantages and disadvantages to this as I see it. The advantage being, whatever PGMA has started, VP De Castro will most likely (if not definitely) continue or finish. That's good because infrastructures and projects conceptualized in PGMA's time will be accomplished because De Castro will have no reason to prove PGMA wrong. He is, after all, on her side. The disadvantage, however, will be this: People in government appointed during PGMA's time will probably stay there. I doubt seeing major changes in the faces at Malacanang athough of course, some may be added because of "you-know-why" reasons. How can we start anew if these people don't get replaced? Those same people who have given us headaches will continue to plague us with more problems. Not good. So a De Castro win isn't exactly my preference.

Now, Estrada on second place, I say OMGWTFBBQ? Give it a rest, people.

Escudero on third is not news to me. He is one congressman who gained so much popularity just by being anti-PGMA. Everyone likes a rebel. Everyone likes someone who has the guts to challenge authority in such a charismatic way. What's news to me, however, is the idea that he is running for president. I mean, hello? Are you sure he is running? He's only been Senator for how long? I think this is such an ambitious endeavor. At least, at this time. Let the guy prove himself first. And people who love Chiz, please. Don't throw a half-baked candidate in there just because he looks promising as president. If he ever runs, I think he will lose. Remember Loren? Rushing to presidency or vice-presidency has its problems. And I hope Chiz sees that early on. I think he needs to take his time. He is a young idealist. But he needs to prove us all that there is more to him than charisma and idealism. And the only way to do that is to stay longer in the Senate.

Legarda, as I see it, has no chance at presidency. If she were to run for VP, she'd easily run away with it. She has already made the mistake of rushing for VP before, in which she lost, even after an expensive recount where she spent her own money. This will be a repeat of that if she pushes for presidency.

I was born and raised in Las Pinas City so I have a tendency to like Sen. Manny Villar (who has been our Congressman for many terms) -- and I'm not denying that. Living in Las Pinas at that time was pretty satisfying except for occasional traffic frustrations along Casimiro. The city has been recognized as "The Cleanest City in Metro Manila" for many consecutive years and looking back, I felt very proud being a "Las Pinera/Las Pinero". Progress was good and steady in those glorious days and I was happy to witness that. It seems unlikely that Villar will win, though.

However, my vote for 2010 will not go to a candidate that I merely like or can associate myself with. I resolve to vote for someone who I think is capable of moving the country forward. I resolve to vote for a candidate whose values and principles I admire and respect. I will vote for someone who knows how to take sides on issues and doesn't give me "safe" answers in the interest of his political ambition. I will vote for someone who stands by his countrymen even if it means being disowned by his political party.

They say, "good intentions don't always count", and there are many occasions that I actually believed this to be true. But times have changed. Now, more than ever, the challenge to the succeeding President is tougher than ever. We will be needing somebody with a heart -- yes, someone with "good intentions". I believe that Filipinos are very smart -- so much so to our own disadvantage sometimes. We've seen many smart people come and go in the government and yet, many years after, there doesn't seem to appear any significant change in the system or the people who run it. There is no true change. And that is because, everyday, less and less people care. Less and less people carry good intentions in their heart. We have a serious scarcity of people of this sort. Almost extinct, if you ask me.

So, now I wait, as I have always done in the past. I will be as vigilant as can be. And decide slowly but surely on who to vote for. There's no rush. I tell that to myself. Choosing a leader takes time and effort. I have only one vote so I can't afford to lose it , much less, let it go to waste. I will bide my time and make sure I only vote for that someone who have the country's best interest at heart, because in this country festered by rampant corruption and politicking, I'm sure that "good intentions" count, big-time.

So, who will you vote for President in 2010? Do surveys affect your voting decision this early?

Popularity: 14% [?]